THE OCEAN view beyond the lobby evokes grandeur as guests walk into the main entrance from the Porte Cochere.
Shangri-la, by definition, depicts of an imaginary land—a remote, beautiful and idyllic hideaway where life approaches perfection and eventually, nirvana.
And many such stories and movies have been spun in an attempt to create, paint or even sketch a faint representation of what this “utopia” is or should be.
Fairly close enough, Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort and Spa, true to its name, has since provided local and foreign tourists with a true and existing hideaway that allows the weary soul to bask and experience a life almost approaching perfection.
Located in a secure, beachfront area overlooking two breathtaking white sandy bays on the picturesque island of Boracay, the resort is the first and only five-star international deluxe resort to open on the famed island.
The resort, which opened in March 2009 and merely a 45-minute flight from Manila, was able to raise and introduce a new level of luxury to the beautiful island of Boracay.
“The luxury of first-class facilities and conveniences goes beyond the resort and is extended to guests on their journey to the Island.
Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort and Spa has refined what used to be a tedious series of air, land and water transfers to an unrivaled experience of comfort and exclusivity,” the company claimed.
VILLA Balani has two bedrooms, a private lap pool, a pergola for outdoor dining, an outdoor shower and a daybed for relaxation.
Shangri-La’s Boracay explained that upon landing at the Caticlan airport, guests are received by a representative, escorted to the van, led to a private lounge where refreshments and other welcome amenities await. After which, guests are escorted to the exclusive jetty port area and whisked off by Shangri-La’s speedboat for a 15-minute cruise to the resort.
Upon entry to the resort, one is able to see meticulous and delicate planning that the resorts’ architects and designers have applied and which have made the place all the more special and heavenly. The resort’s architect is Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo (WATG) and the interior design was created by LTW Design Works.
According to Shangri-La’s Boracay, the resort is comprised of 219 rooms, including 36 villas and suites. “Every guestroom offers a spacious floor plan and ocean views from a private balcony or terrace.
“Treehouses have outdoor jacuzzis and all other villas have private pools. Villas also include a day bed for relaxation or massage,” it explained.
Interior, exterior design
More than just incorporating Philippine culture to both the interior and exterior design of the resort—from the Abaca weave rugs to the accent lighting made of local capiz shells—guest rooms and suites are also equipped with modern conveniences such as flat-screen TV, a DVD player, an iPod dock, a writing desk and complimentary Wi-Fi and broadband Internet access.
And for a truly undisturbed and peaceful stay, Shangri-La’s Boracay offers guests two private beachfronts and an infinity pool as well as a myriad of leisure facilities and recreational activities such as a fully equipped health club, outdoor free-form swimming pool, outdoor lap pool, marine center and dive shop, water sports pavilion, entertainment center, adventure zone, nature trail, snorkeling, scuba diving and hiking.
THE TREEHOUSE Villa’s master bedroom is surrounded by glass windows that provide a panoramic seascape.
Those looking to soothe weary senses, according to Shangri-La’s Boracay, can head over to CHI, The Spa, where guests can avail of treatments that will rejuvenate and revitalize their body, mind and spirit. The spa village offers 10 private villas, each with bathing facilities, a steam room and a private garden, it explained.
Resort’s commitment
But beyond this ultimate premium getaway experience, it is also worth mentioning the resort’s commitment to the community and the environment, which has been embedded not just in its culture, but also in the way the resort operates.
“In an island where potable water is a scarce resource, the resort employs its very own desalination plant. With this technology, the resort is able to treat saltwater and convert it to clean, potable water safe for human consumption,” the resort said, adding that “water is also being recycled by the resort’s comprehensive sewer treatment system.”
Energy conservation measures for the resort meanwhile go far beyond than just using energy -efficient light bulbs.
“Technologically advanced efficiency readers have been fitted into the electrical system, which not only evaluate the efficiency of energy usage, but also automatically adjust the system to ensure optimum use of electricity,” Shangri-La’s Boracay explained.
Indeed, Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort and Spa is a perfect summer haven for travelers and beach lovers from all over the world as, the company emphasized, it offers a “luxurious experience that goes well beyond paradise, where environmental protection, community involvement and sustainable living are intricately woven into every guest’s stay.”